"That bill is too extreme!" yelled Fire Prince Zuko, "If we have to tax, we take from wharfs, or boathouses not schools! Hear me, our country would suffer far more if we take another cut from our education programs. Think, delegates, would you rather our nation be known for angry fishermen or stupid children?"
With that, the room of twenty or more Fire Nation senators were silenced. Moments later, one of the head representatives stood from his chair.
"We reside with Fire Lord Iroh's decision. Whatever it be." he said tepidly, fearful that the scowling Zuko would set him ablaze with the challenging look in his eyes.
Iroh then stood up, "I agree with my nephew, I veto this bill in favor of the education program. Now, we've all had a long day. I call this assembly to a close." He bowed to the audience, they bowed back and he left the room with Zuko at his side.
"You're too stressed, Zuko." the old man said to the young one as they made their way out of the Fire Palace's main hall. "It was a simple open-shut meeting. You needn't be so stiff."
"It was a very serious assembly with very serious matters and should be treated as so." The scarred-face youth replied with sternness as well as respect as they turned the corner to the Royal Quarters.
"I just think you're too stressed, you're Inauguration is in four days. Once you're Lord, you won't have to listen to my orders but for these last few days of my reign, I think I'll give you one last command." Zuko stopped walking and turned to the old man bewildered
"I, King Iroh of the Fire Nation, give a binding dismissal to you, Prince Zuko, from any and all of your duties for the next three days." he said while entering his quarters and shutting the door to Zuko's stupefied face.
He could swear that he heard his uncle laughing from inside the room.